The fans were treated to an entertaining football game, but most went home shivering and disappointed.

The University of New Hampshire scored twice in a span of four minutes late in the fourth quarter, finally finishing off UMaine for a 41-27 Football Championship Subdivision second-round victory on Morse Field.

“I can’t tell you enough what it’s like to have a Maine-New Hampshire football game in December up here,” said UNH head coach Sean McDonnell. “Everything about it was awesome. It’s great for New England football.”

Fifteenth-ranked UNH (9-4), making its 10th straight NCAA postseason appearance, advances to the national quarterfinals. The No. 8 Black Bears finish the season at 10-3.

The Wildcats also beat UMaine 24-3 on Nov. 23 at Durham, N.H.

“That’s a very good football team that’s gaining momentum, confidence and, really, was the better team out on the football field today,” conceded UMaine head coach Jack Cosgrove.

Despite cold temperatures and a chilling wind, 7,992 fans — including 2,383 students — turned out for the first home playoff game in UMaine history.

UNH won with dynamic offense and disruptive defense.

Quarterback Sean Goldrich (16-for-27) threw for 291 yards and three touchdowns as UNH kept UMaine on its heels. The Wildcats gained 495 yards, 315 through the air.

The Wildcats were 7-for-14 on third down against the Bears, who tried to maintain an attacking defensive philosophy against the wide-open UNH offense.

“You’re damned if you do and damned if you don’t,” Cosgrove said. “You can sit around and play zone and be conservative, or you can take risks and take your chances. We’ve been aggressive all year long.”